Wendy Morris
Well-known member
He certainly is a handsome chap, Simon. The third picture is a real beauty. Thank you for sharing him with us.
-
BirdForum is the net's largest birding community dedicated to wild birds and birding, and is absolutely FREE!
Register for an account to take part in lively discussions in the forum, post your pictures in the gallery and more.
Your local Patch/Reserve. (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Pam_m
- Start date
Haven't been in this thread for quite a while and it's been great reading about other people's favourite reserves. So as I have started to go to Adel Dam in Leeds a fair bit now I thought it might be nice to tell you a bit about it. This reserve is on the north of Leeds, very close to the A660 and even though that is a very busy road, you would believe you were in the depths of the countryside. It's a Yorkshire Wildlife Trust reserve and until a few years ago it was fenced in and under lock and key...you had to apply to the head office of the trust for the key. Now it is open all the time and no longer locked up.
It's a bit of old woodland with a small lake which was created many years ago to provide water for a mill further down the valley. Sadly the mill is no more, it's site is now an upmarket residence.
The management of the reserve is very low key, no cleaning up of fallen trees etc, which means that there is a large amount of biodiversity on the reserve. Due to my poor knowledge of things horticultural I have a rudimentary idea of the trees on the reserve...mainly birches, but I'm useless at flowering plants.
My trip there today was part of the BTO Atlas fieldwork...the reserve forms part of my tetrad so as I'd an hour spare I had a wander round.
Due to work going on to renovate the path outside the reserve there was a lot of noise so the species count was down compared to my last visit in February, only 108 birds of 18 species this time, last there was over 500 birds of 25 species.
I did find a pair of great spotted woodpecker indulging in a little hanky panky but couldn't get a shot of them as they were so mobile. Most of the other birds were high in the trees and whilst I did try and photograph them ....they all came out black and white blobs.
I've taken a few shots of the general area to let you see what it's like. I'll hopefully get more pics with birds in them on future visits.
The last picture is of a bird I 'twitched' this morning near Wakefield, my fourth grebe species this year.
It's a bit of old woodland with a small lake which was created many years ago to provide water for a mill further down the valley. Sadly the mill is no more, it's site is now an upmarket residence.
The management of the reserve is very low key, no cleaning up of fallen trees etc, which means that there is a large amount of biodiversity on the reserve. Due to my poor knowledge of things horticultural I have a rudimentary idea of the trees on the reserve...mainly birches, but I'm useless at flowering plants.
My trip there today was part of the BTO Atlas fieldwork...the reserve forms part of my tetrad so as I'd an hour spare I had a wander round.
Due to work going on to renovate the path outside the reserve there was a lot of noise so the species count was down compared to my last visit in February, only 108 birds of 18 species this time, last there was over 500 birds of 25 species.
I did find a pair of great spotted woodpecker indulging in a little hanky panky but couldn't get a shot of them as they were so mobile. Most of the other birds were high in the trees and whilst I did try and photograph them ....they all came out black and white blobs.
I've taken a few shots of the general area to let you see what it's like. I'll hopefully get more pics with birds in them on future visits.
The last picture is of a bird I 'twitched' this morning near Wakefield, my fourth grebe species this year.
Attachments
Chris-Leeds
Well-known member
I visited Adel Dam for the first time last week, it is quite peaceful there and managed to see plenty of red kites in the general area and a bit beyond. There were also mandarin ducks, even with the impressive plumage of the males I actually preferred the female. The feeder area was fairly busy for tits and chaffinches but also attracted GSW and jays.
Not a bad place to spend a couple of hours.
Chris.
Not a bad place to spend a couple of hours.
Chris.
Wendy Morris
Well-known member
Another interesting 'patch', Keith. I shall look forward to updates as the year progresses.
Chris, let me know next time you are planning a visit and I'll see if I can get along, have you been to Breary Marsh which is the other side of the A660?
Wendy I'll keep you posted on this 'patch', it's close enough to my house to be able to visit quite often. I'm determined to get some pictures of the woodies.
Wendy I'll keep you posted on this 'patch', it's close enough to my house to be able to visit quite often. I'm determined to get some pictures of the woodies.
Thanks Pie, but it's not a dabchick...it's a black-necked grebe. The photo was grabbed with my little point and click camera on it's own as the bird was too mobile to digiscope. I gave up trying as everytime I lined the bird up in the scope it had moved by the time I was ready with the camera.
I've enlarged it as big I dare to try and show it's golden ear tufts but any bigger and it goes all pixelated.
I've enlarged it as big I dare to try and show it's golden ear tufts but any bigger and it goes all pixelated.
Wendy Morris
Well-known member
I had a bit of spare time this afternoon, but only enough to pop to Sutton Bingham again. All the usual suspects were there, Mallard, GBBs, Rooks, Crows and Canadas all in great numbers. There were two Swans, several pairs of Great Crested Grebes, Coots and a couple of Cormorants. Other land birds included Robin, Blackbird, Chaffinch, Green Woodpecker and Reed Bunting. There were also two Orange Tips being very mobile and thousands upon thousands of tiny midges down by the water! It was definitely a case of keeping one's mouth shut!
The photo shows a Coot hiding in the branches of the partly submerged bushes. There was also a nest in the area, but I couldn't get close enough to see it clearly. Could it have belonged to the Coot?
The photo shows a Coot hiding in the branches of the partly submerged bushes. There was also a nest in the area, but I couldn't get close enough to see it clearly. Could it have belonged to the Coot?
Attachments
Peewit
Once a bird lover ... always a bird lover
Hi there
We decided to go for another walk around Bedford today and see what was going on at our local park, and riverside. Lots of trees are in blossom at the moment, and it makes the place look a lot more spring/summer like.
The weather was beautiful today so there was nothing to complain about in that department. Just as we set off a blue butterfly flew past. By the colour I am sure it was a Common Blue.
We continued through our little park near to us and made our way to Bedford Park.
As we where walking a Peacock Butterfly decided to closby to where we where walkinng to sun itself. I tried to get close to it but it flew off as they do
The Park was a hive of activity Mute Swans, Canadian Geese, Mallards, Coots, and Moorhens where thriving. At one stage there was a flurry of activity as two Mute Swans chased each other. I would think it is the parents chasing of their last years young from their patch. All the flying, flapping of wings, and splashing about was a spectacle to many people.
The Moorhenand the Coot looked all my themselves but they must have partners somewhere. All the birds where unphased by our presense there. They are always on the search for food so it is easy to get really close to thme so that is a bonus for a picture or two.
I could hear a Song Thrush singing in the tree nearby, and many tinkling tunes from a group of Goldfinches. Lots of twittering from Blue Tits and Great Tits.
The sun had brought many people out and the park was very busy.
There where many White Butterflies fluttering glistening in the sun, and never stayed still while we walked along, They where no doubt searching out their food source.
We mananged to do our shopping and made our way along the side of the Great River Ouse. Lots of Canadian Geese where sleeping with their heads over their backs. A couple of vocal white Farmyard Geese waddled up to us and went about their business. A male and female Mallard duck followed us along the route. We threw in some Swan food and the Mute Swans loved it. We could see there where a few of last years cygnets still in the group.
The cobs where showing their leadship by fluffing up their feathers, so there was a pecking order going on between the Male Swans. Some chasing around was done here and there. Nothing to unpleasant though. I could see that a couple of Mute Swans are ringed and I took a note of the ring numbers for necessary monitor work being on the species.
Then we saw a Female Mallardwith 6 tiny ducklings. They where just the sweetest little things. The Female duck was determined to keep them together and gently pushed thme toward her to keep all 6 together. She looked proud of her clutch of ducklings.
We decided to get the bus home, and that was our 3 hour walk about, with shopping complete. At our front door another Common Blue butterfly comes past us. We wondered if it was the same one from earlier in the day.
So another day doing our shopping along with some Wildlife watching for us. o
Picture 1 - Female Mallard having a doze
Picture 2 - Male and Female Mallard enjoying the sun.
Picture 3 - Female Mallard with 6 chicks
Picture 4 - Mute Swan
Picture 5 - Mute Swan
We decided to go for another walk around Bedford today and see what was going on at our local park, and riverside. Lots of trees are in blossom at the moment, and it makes the place look a lot more spring/summer like.
The weather was beautiful today so there was nothing to complain about in that department. Just as we set off a blue butterfly flew past. By the colour I am sure it was a Common Blue.
We continued through our little park near to us and made our way to Bedford Park.
As we where walking a Peacock Butterfly decided to closby to where we where walkinng to sun itself. I tried to get close to it but it flew off as they do
The Park was a hive of activity Mute Swans, Canadian Geese, Mallards, Coots, and Moorhens where thriving. At one stage there was a flurry of activity as two Mute Swans chased each other. I would think it is the parents chasing of their last years young from their patch. All the flying, flapping of wings, and splashing about was a spectacle to many people.
The Moorhenand the Coot looked all my themselves but they must have partners somewhere. All the birds where unphased by our presense there. They are always on the search for food so it is easy to get really close to thme so that is a bonus for a picture or two.
I could hear a Song Thrush singing in the tree nearby, and many tinkling tunes from a group of Goldfinches. Lots of twittering from Blue Tits and Great Tits.
The sun had brought many people out and the park was very busy.
There where many White Butterflies fluttering glistening in the sun, and never stayed still while we walked along, They where no doubt searching out their food source.
We mananged to do our shopping and made our way along the side of the Great River Ouse. Lots of Canadian Geese where sleeping with their heads over their backs. A couple of vocal white Farmyard Geese waddled up to us and went about their business. A male and female Mallard duck followed us along the route. We threw in some Swan food and the Mute Swans loved it. We could see there where a few of last years cygnets still in the group.
The cobs where showing their leadship by fluffing up their feathers, so there was a pecking order going on between the Male Swans. Some chasing around was done here and there. Nothing to unpleasant though. I could see that a couple of Mute Swans are ringed and I took a note of the ring numbers for necessary monitor work being on the species.
Then we saw a Female Mallardwith 6 tiny ducklings. They where just the sweetest little things. The Female duck was determined to keep them together and gently pushed thme toward her to keep all 6 together. She looked proud of her clutch of ducklings.
We decided to get the bus home, and that was our 3 hour walk about, with shopping complete. At our front door another Common Blue butterfly comes past us. We wondered if it was the same one from earlier in the day.
So another day doing our shopping along with some Wildlife watching for us. o
Picture 1 - Female Mallard having a doze
Picture 2 - Male and Female Mallard enjoying the sun.
Picture 3 - Female Mallard with 6 chicks
Picture 4 - Mute Swan
Picture 5 - Mute Swan
Attachments
Last edited:
Peewit
Once a bird lover ... always a bird lover
Hi Keith
I enjoyed reading your report very much. Interesting history to read up about, and I really hope the place does go from strength to strength and not the reverse way around in the future.
Lovely pictures which makes your patch look very inviting to walk around. Yes, a green belt can be a wildlife haven even next to a motorway. It just shows how adaptable wildlife is to change.
Those ellusive Woodpeckers. Difficult to catch on Camera, as they are very active at the moment with pairing up. They are a whole lot more vocal than they usually are.
A great selection of birds there and it is good to be able to black Necked Grebe. The species is a little different to Dabchick as we already know them. Yes, it definitely has a black neck in your picture.
thanks for sharing, Keith.
Last edited:
Peewit
Once a bird lover ... always a bird lover
Thank you Val
We had another walk about today. Mainly around Bedford as we had one or two things to get from the shops.
Lots of trees in blossom, birds singing, and the weather was sunny. So we went out for about 3 hours in all
We could see Sand Martins flying around the river Ouse. Great to see them in flight at the moment.
We went down to the Great River ouse and there was a pair of nesting Swans sitting on their well made nests. A really nice site, and I am looking forward to see the Cygnets now.
Lots of ducklings around. The female Mallards are so attentive mothers and they pushed their little ones together for most of the time. So sweet.
Picture 1 - Slug
Picture 2 - Daisie Lane - walkway along beside river
Picture 3 - Swans
Picture 4 - Canada Goose
Picture 5 - View across river from Bridge
We had another walk about today. Mainly around Bedford as we had one or two things to get from the shops.
Lots of trees in blossom, birds singing, and the weather was sunny. So we went out for about 3 hours in all
We could see Sand Martins flying around the river Ouse. Great to see them in flight at the moment.
We went down to the Great River ouse and there was a pair of nesting Swans sitting on their well made nests. A really nice site, and I am looking forward to see the Cygnets now.
Lots of ducklings around. The female Mallards are so attentive mothers and they pushed their little ones together for most of the time. So sweet.
Picture 1 - Slug
Picture 2 - Daisie Lane - walkway along beside river
Picture 3 - Swans
Picture 4 - Canada Goose
Picture 5 - View across river from Bridge
Attachments
Peewit
Once a bird lover ... always a bird lover
A Trip out to a Bird of Prey Centre at North Biggleworth, Bedfordshire.
Hi there
I hope that this post is acceptable on the x-Beeb, if not I will remove it (captive birds)
Another lovely day, so we decided embark on another trip out to see some more birds once more. So we set of at 10am in the morning and made our way towards Shuttleworth, Old Warden Park, North Biggleswade. There is an air field, a Bird of Prey Centre and a Swiss Garden to visit.
What a beautiful place a very large area of land full of woodland, open fields, and lots of space to move about.
We arrived and headed to the Bird of Prey Centre, and had a good look around. As we walked to the main gates, we could hear lots of Warblers, and a few Goldcrests making their lovely little circular spurts of song. A couple flit about the branches of the Conifer Trees above the centre. A Blackcap threw out a song as we passed the scrubs and trees. The songsters where doing their best to out compete each other as always at this time of the year.
We looked at the birds, and where amazed at some of the birds present. I am not in full agreement about captive birds, but it is good to see them up close and personal. The Eagle Owl, and a tiny Scoop Owl where our favourites. The Eagle Owl was very impressive to look at. A Cuckooborough (sp) was in amongst the BoP, and was making itself heard all around the centre.
A couple of Vultures where sunning themselves in their cage. It was becoming a hot day and the birds must have been feeling it too.
There was a show of birds for 30 minutes, or so, and it was fabulous to brush shoulders with the resident Barn Owl, Long Eared Owl and Eagle Owl we where treated too as part of the display. So beautiful to see and each bird as they flew brushed over our heads so. My OH and I could feel the down draught of the wings as the birds flew over our hair. Gosh they could devour a chick whole which was something to see. No chewing their prey (chicks in this case) just swallow the prey all in one go. We where given lots of information to think about an the plight of the Owl. I feel I have learned something new now.
By the area where we saw the Owls, a Magpie lands and started to make an alarm call at the BoP’s being so nearby no doubt. Lots of Rooks where looking for food amongst the grass. A good sized Rookery existed in the grounds. so that is where all the Rooks thrived in their dozens. They stayed together in a loose group everywhere we walked about in the ground area. They where not bothered about our presence at all.
On our way back for our cup of tea, we could see a Common Buzzard in the distance flying in circles as they do. Must be the thermals which the birds love to fly with, so it makes them look like they are gliding rather than flying.
I could hear and see Swallows and Swifts flying around in circles above our heads. A Chiff Chaff radiates a call from the distance and its call travelled throughout the whole airfield. I past some scrubby trees and a group of Long Tail Tits where moving around uttering their little calls to each other. A Blackbird chorused loudly and killed of any more singing from other birds.
We went back to the Restaurant, and had something to eat and drink to be confronted by a Male Peacock standing next to our table. What a beauty he was. Never seen one so close up before. I think this one likes his food too much. The same bird kept producing this wailing call every so often like he was trying to say something to someone or a mate.
My OH went through to visit the Shuttleworth Aircraft Museum himself, and I went for a quick wander about to see what birds where around in the unused car park on the other side of the road.
A Great Spotted Woodpecker made its presence known from the nearest tree, and yet more Warblers. There was no shortage of male Chaffinches and Goldfinches either. Lots of birds covering a large area between one area of woodland to another. The airplane landing strip covered a large area of grassland.
I bought an up to date Collins book on Wild Flowers and studied it for a while enjoying the sun and what it had to offer. We left about 2.30pm or so, Just a quiet jaunt, and that was about it bird watching in two ways one wild and the other captive.
Hi there
I hope that this post is acceptable on the x-Beeb, if not I will remove it (captive birds)
Another lovely day, so we decided embark on another trip out to see some more birds once more. So we set of at 10am in the morning and made our way towards Shuttleworth, Old Warden Park, North Biggleswade. There is an air field, a Bird of Prey Centre and a Swiss Garden to visit.
What a beautiful place a very large area of land full of woodland, open fields, and lots of space to move about.
We arrived and headed to the Bird of Prey Centre, and had a good look around. As we walked to the main gates, we could hear lots of Warblers, and a few Goldcrests making their lovely little circular spurts of song. A couple flit about the branches of the Conifer Trees above the centre. A Blackcap threw out a song as we passed the scrubs and trees. The songsters where doing their best to out compete each other as always at this time of the year.
We looked at the birds, and where amazed at some of the birds present. I am not in full agreement about captive birds, but it is good to see them up close and personal. The Eagle Owl, and a tiny Scoop Owl where our favourites. The Eagle Owl was very impressive to look at. A Cuckooborough (sp) was in amongst the BoP, and was making itself heard all around the centre.
A couple of Vultures where sunning themselves in their cage. It was becoming a hot day and the birds must have been feeling it too.
There was a show of birds for 30 minutes, or so, and it was fabulous to brush shoulders with the resident Barn Owl, Long Eared Owl and Eagle Owl we where treated too as part of the display. So beautiful to see and each bird as they flew brushed over our heads so. My OH and I could feel the down draught of the wings as the birds flew over our hair. Gosh they could devour a chick whole which was something to see. No chewing their prey (chicks in this case) just swallow the prey all in one go. We where given lots of information to think about an the plight of the Owl. I feel I have learned something new now.
By the area where we saw the Owls, a Magpie lands and started to make an alarm call at the BoP’s being so nearby no doubt. Lots of Rooks where looking for food amongst the grass. A good sized Rookery existed in the grounds. so that is where all the Rooks thrived in their dozens. They stayed together in a loose group everywhere we walked about in the ground area. They where not bothered about our presence at all.
On our way back for our cup of tea, we could see a Common Buzzard in the distance flying in circles as they do. Must be the thermals which the birds love to fly with, so it makes them look like they are gliding rather than flying.
I could hear and see Swallows and Swifts flying around in circles above our heads. A Chiff Chaff radiates a call from the distance and its call travelled throughout the whole airfield. I past some scrubby trees and a group of Long Tail Tits where moving around uttering their little calls to each other. A Blackbird chorused loudly and killed of any more singing from other birds.
We went back to the Restaurant, and had something to eat and drink to be confronted by a Male Peacock standing next to our table. What a beauty he was. Never seen one so close up before. I think this one likes his food too much. The same bird kept producing this wailing call every so often like he was trying to say something to someone or a mate.
My OH went through to visit the Shuttleworth Aircraft Museum himself, and I went for a quick wander about to see what birds where around in the unused car park on the other side of the road.
A Great Spotted Woodpecker made its presence known from the nearest tree, and yet more Warblers. There was no shortage of male Chaffinches and Goldfinches either. Lots of birds covering a large area between one area of woodland to another. The airplane landing strip covered a large area of grassland.
I bought an up to date Collins book on Wild Flowers and studied it for a while enjoying the sun and what it had to offer. We left about 2.30pm or so, Just a quiet jaunt, and that was about it bird watching in two ways one wild and the other captive.
Sy V
Well-known member
I had two trips out yesterday; one at lunchtime where I ascended Black Hill (one of the Malvern range of hills), and after work I called in to the Flashes at UW on my way home. Up on the hills I was lucky enough to see Buzzards soaring at eye level and I also captured this little fellow who was joyously singing his heart out.
Then at Upton Warren, I spotted a Dunlin (quite rare for so far inland) and this handsome chap settled long enough on a nearby fence for me to snap him!
Attachment: Willow Warbler. Sparrowhawk.
You can read more about my excursions here.
Then at Upton Warren, I spotted a Dunlin (quite rare for so far inland) and this handsome chap settled long enough on a nearby fence for me to snap him!
Attachment: Willow Warbler. Sparrowhawk.
You can read more about my excursions here.
Attachments
Wendy Morris
Well-known member
I had an hour or so to spare at the end of the morning, so I popped over to Sutton Bingham to see what was about. The wind was so strong that there were very few small birds on the wing and even the gulls, ducks and geese were having problems!
All the usual suspects were there in good numbers, GBBs, GC Grebes, Mallard and several hybrids too, Crows, Rooks and Canadas. After watching them from the causeway that bisects the reservoir, I headed for the car park and the comfort of the car for a few minutes! I was rewarded with a Whitethroat flitting between bushes about 20 yards ahead, too mobile to attempt a photo, but I was pleased because it was a first for me.
A few views of the very windswept water and the trees around, plus a solitary egg which was by the fencing where I stopped first. None of the birds around seemed to own it and I wondered how long it had been there.
All the usual suspects were there in good numbers, GBBs, GC Grebes, Mallard and several hybrids too, Crows, Rooks and Canadas. After watching them from the causeway that bisects the reservoir, I headed for the car park and the comfort of the car for a few minutes! I was rewarded with a Whitethroat flitting between bushes about 20 yards ahead, too mobile to attempt a photo, but I was pleased because it was a first for me.
A few views of the very windswept water and the trees around, plus a solitary egg which was by the fencing where I stopped first. None of the birds around seemed to own it and I wondered how long it had been there.
Attachments
Pam_m
Well-known member
Great reading folks...good to catch up on your local patches!
Well done with the Whitethroat, Wendy! A smashing bird to see!
Strangely enough there was a rather large egg left on one of the scrapes at Upton Warren on Sunday. I would imagine a Canada Goose egg, that is just a guess!
Well done with the Whitethroat, Wendy! A smashing bird to see!
Strangely enough there was a rather large egg left on one of the scrapes at Upton Warren on Sunday. I would imagine a Canada Goose egg, that is just a guess!
pie
Well-known member
It certainly is windy today Wendy! my garden pots have blown all over the place! Sutton Bingham looks like a great place to visit, I bet it was a nice way to blow off the cobwebs. Well done with the Whitethroat Wendy & lovely pics.
Shame about the lonely egg, no idea of id sorry.
Shame about the lonely egg, no idea of id sorry.
